District of Columbia Public Library- Social Sciences Division

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

The All the World's a Stage Book Club will read biographies of H.L. Mencken in May. Check out a book from the Biography section (you'll find him at call number 92 M536) and then join us for a lively discussion on Monday, May 24 at 7:00 pm in Room 221. See you there!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

The History-Biography section of the Social Sciences Division will be presenting an online research workshop on May 5, 2010 at 1:30pm. At this workshop we will explore the online resources available through the DC Public Library Web site in the topics of History, Geography, and Biography. The workshop is free and open to the public. No registration is required, and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Join us today in the MLK Computer Lab (Room 311) at 1:30pm to learn more about these resources!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

This April stop by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library's Social Sciences Division, Room 220 and review & check out our selection of books related to Health Care Reform. In addition to the display, the Division has created a resource guide that will assist you in locating materials in DCPL, and from authoritative government internet resources.

The library has a wide selection of books which focuses on examing various aspects of the health care reform debate in America. In addition, we have books focusing on the policies of the Obama administration and previous presidential administrations.

If you want more information about the current debate over the accessibility and cost of health care, how the health care industy operates and role of the government with reform search the library's catalog

The book display is located on the second floor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, in the East Lobby outside of room 220.

Friday, March 19, 2010

The Social Sciences Division of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library will feature presentations from scholars in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area, as part of its Government and Politics Lecture series,thoughout 2010. The scholars will discuss their recent books, on a wide range of subjects.

On April 27, 2010, the Library will host Dr. Lee Ann Fuji, who will discuss her recent book, Killing Neigbors: Webs of Violence in Rwanda.

On May 13th the Library will host a presentation by Dr. John Kenneth White, Barack Obama's America: How New Conceptions of Race, Family, and Religion Ended the Reagan Era. These lectures will contribute to an engaging learning experience for all who attend.

In a transformative revisiting of the motives behind and specific contexts surrounding the Rwandan genocide, Lee Ann Fujii focuses on individual actions rather than sweeping categories. Fujii argues that ethnic hatred and fear do not satisfactorily explain the mobilization of Rwandans one against another.

Fujii's extensive interviews in Rwandan prisons and two rural communities form the basis for her claim that mass participation in the genocide was not the result of ethnic antagonisms. Rather, the social context of action was critical. Strong group dynamics and established local ties shaped patterns of recruitment for and participation in the genocide. This web of social interactions bound people to power holders and killing groups. People joined and continued to participate in the genocide over time, Fujii shows, because killing in large groups conferred identity on those who acted destructively. The perpetrators of the genocide produced new groups centered on destroying prior bonds by killing kith and kin.

May 15, 2010 1-3pm Dr. John Kenneth White Barack Obama's America: How New Conceptions of Race, Family, and Religion Ended the Reagan Era

Research and reflections on the American demographic shift that led to the election of President Barack Obama. The election of Barack Obama to the presidency marks a conclusive end to the Reagan era, writes John Kenneth White in Barack Obama's America. Reagan symbolized a 1950s and 1960s America, largely white and suburban, with married couples and kids at home, who attended church more often than not.

Obama's election marks a new era, the author writes. Whites will be a minority by 2042. Obama's inauguration was a defining moment in the political destiny of this country, based largely on demographic shifts, as described in Barack Obama's America.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

As part of the Government and Politics Lecture Series, the Social Sciences Division is pleased to announce that Dr. Nathan Brown will discuss his recent book Struggle for Democracy in the Middle East. Please join us, on April 12, 2010 at 6:30pm, as Dr. Brown, professor of Political Science and International Affairs and Director of the Institute for Middle East Studies at The George Washington University discusses the prospects for democracy, in the Middle East. This book examines this issue in light of the region's sectarianism, culture, religion, security and the promotion of democracy. The book focuses on the challenges of activists, political parties and others working at democratization in the Middle East.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

The District of Columbia Public Library is sponsoring a wide variety of events in honor and memory of the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Social Sciences Division will host a film series beginning in January 11th at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on the 2nd Floor, East Lobby, outside Room 220.

Citizen King January 11th @ 3pm

Citizen King traces Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s efforts to recast himself by embracing causes beyond the Civil Rights movement, by becoming a champion of the poor and an outspoken opponent of the war in Vietnam. Tapping into a rich archive of photographs, film footage and eyewitness accounts, this film brings fresh insights to King’s journey, his charismatic leadership and truly remarkable impact.

King Man of Peace in a Time of War January 12th @ 3pm

Is a fascinating and revealing look at the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., filtered through the prism of the major conflicts: the struggle between black and white America, divisiveness within the Civil Rights movement itself and the war in Vietnam? This film includes archival footage of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and exclusive interviews with the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Colin Powell, Quincy Jones, and others.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Historical Perspective. January 13th @ Noon
Dr. King is one of the most respected and admired civil rights and human rights leader in American history. He is know worldwide for his perseverance and dedication to peaceful nonviolent action to effect social and political outcomes. Dr. King was the conscience of the civil rights struggle and became a heroic martyr for the movement. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Historical Perspective offers a one-of-the-kind examination of Dr. King's extraordinary life. This documentary uses rare and largely unseen film footage and photographs. Writer and director, Tom Friedman explores how Dr. King's ideas, thoughts, and causes evolved in the face of the rapidly changing climate of the Civil Rights Movement.

At the River I Stand January 14th @ Noon
This documentary reconstructs two eventful months in Memphis in 1968 leading to the tragic death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. Additionally, it documents how the Memphis' Black community rallied behind a strike bygrossly underpaid sanitation workers. Dr. King saw an opportunity to link struggle to his growing, nationwide Poor People's Campaign and challenge the economic power structure of the South.

Lectures

Sunday, January 17 at 1:30 p.m.
Paula Young Shelton, daughter of Andrew Young, former United Nations Ambassador, Civil Rights Activist Robert Artisst, former Freedom Rider Rev. Reginald M. Green and others around the city share stories of Dr. King and what he may have thought about current issues if he were alive today.

Friday, January 8, 2010

The D.C. Public Library owns many books related to the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This bibliography includes a brief selection, biographies, King’s writings and speeches, books related to the civil rights movement and children’s materials. Please consult the library catalog for additional items and the most current holdings.

This bibliography includes biographies, video recordings, and children's works, works about the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

92 K53JAJackson, Troy. Becoming King: Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Making of a National Leader. Civil Rights and the Struggle for Black Equality in the Twentieth Century. Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky, 2008.

Contributors

Disclaimer:

This blog contains information about reference questions, collection development, and public programs.The information contained herein does not necessarily represent the views of the District of ColumbiaBoard of Library Trustees or the District of Columbia Public Library.